Craig Hignett leaves Middlesbrough

2 December 2014

Middlesbrough have confirmed that assistant head coach Craig Hignett has left the Sky Bet Championship club with immediate effect.

The 44-year-old left his role as assistant manager to Colin Cooper at League 2 Hartlepool United in March to join Aitor Karanka's backroom staff at the Riverside Stadium and has helped guide Boro into play-off contention this season.

It was thought Hignett, who played more than 150 games for Middlesbrough and scored 48 goals during the 1990s, was highly regarded at the Teesside club.

A brief statement on Middlesbrough's official website, www.mfc.co.uk, read: "Following discussions between Craig, Head Coach Aitor Karanka and the club, all parties have agreed for Craig to leave his position with immediate effect.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks for Craig's efforts since joining us from Hartlepool last season and wish him all the best for the future."